Transcript Richard Young - Consumer Focus

Richard Young
In-Court Advice Service
Airdrie Sheriff Court
Subject
Practical Experience of
Assisting Court Users
Disclaimers
Funding
Airdrie CAB
Airdrie Sheriff Court
Objectives

Advice on rights and responsibilities

Advice on court procedures and practices

Options and outcomes explained

Negotiation with other parties

Provision of representation
Remit

Help unassisted court users

Civil cases
o
o
o
Small Claims
Summary Causes
Ordinary Causes

Pursuers and defenders

Debt – Consumer – Housing
Caseload Chart
Primary Caseload
Other
6%
Heritable
(arrears)
22%
Consumer
29%
Consumer
Debt
Heritable (arrears)
Other
Debt
43%
Client Status
Client Status
Pursuer
34%
Defender
Pursuer
Defender
66%
Initial Questions

How much will it cost?

Will I win?

What if I lose?

Will they have a lawyer?

How long will it take?
Raising Action

Who do I raise proceedings against?

What information/evidence do I need?

Will I need to speak in court?

Will lots people be there?

How do I fill in the forms?
Client’s Version
Box 4
Claim (form of decree or other order sought)
I want my £500.00 back
Correct Version
Box 4
Claim (form of decree or other order sought)
The pursuer claims from the defender(s) the sum
of £500.00 with interest on that sum at the rate of
8% annually from the date of service, together
with the expenses of bringing the claim
Client Sees
Box 4
Claim (form of decree or other order sought)
Преследователь требует от защитника (ов)
суммы из Ь500.00 с интересом на той сумме
по курсу 8 % ежегодно от даты
обслуживания, вместе с расходами
обеспечения требования
During Action

Difficulty understanding procedures

Confused by legal jargon

Unsure about outcomes

Stigma of being in court

Scared in court
Common Issues

Failure to respond

Frustrated by Minute for Recall

Formality of proceedings

Undefended cases

Perception that system is unfair
Post Action

When will court give me my money?

Really? How do I get it then?

A Sheriffs What? Who are they?

What, I’ve to pay even more money?

System more fair for other party
Contact Details
Richard Young
In-Court Advice Service
Airdrie Sheriff Court
Sheriff Court House
Graham Street
Airdrie
North Lanarkshire
ML6 6EE
Tel: 01236 766712
Fax: 01236 765289
Email: [email protected]